Sebastien Loeb was on course for a record ninth consecutive world title after dominating the Rallye de France Alsace today to gain a commanding advantage over his only rival for the championship, Mikko Hirvonen.

Sebastien Loeb's hopes of securing a record ninth rallying world title on home soil suffered a minor blow after he finished today's superspecial of the Rally d'Alsace-France two places behind Citroen team mate and only rival Mikko Hirvonen.